theloaferonline.com | October 3, 2017
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on the cover
Volume 31 • Issue #44 Publisher Luci Tate
International
Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
Storytelling Festival
Cover Design Bill May
Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams Let’s Get Social!
columns & reviews
Office Coordinator Amanda Lane
18 Stargazer Six Decades of Space Age 19 Skies This Week 21 Batteries Not Included 'Tis the Season for Uncle Boris 22 Pop Life The Lego Ninjago Movie 24 Mountain Movers The Olivia Bailey Interview: Part 1 25 Appalachian Wanderers Mammoth Cave National Park 26 The Casual Word Double Vision 28 Puzzle Page 31 Kelly’s Place Halloween Horrors 2017 Part One: The Horror of Perfection
your week’s line-up
Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis
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Storytelling Festival Eddie Money @ NPAC Art from The Heart: FL3TCH3R Exhibit Holston Riverfest Sherlock Holmes returns to Barter Drunk-O-Lantern Contest Two New Businesses Open in Bristol From These Hills Art Exhibit The Breakfast Club plays Capone's Elvis Extravaganza Rise Together Kingsport Spotlight Theatre Bristol Announce Auditions AMEn & MECCA present "Appalachian Mountain Song" Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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to Celebrate 45 Years of World-Renowned Storytelling Tickets are on sale now for the nation’s premier storytelling event, the National Storytelling Festival. A beloved tradition since 1973, the threeday celebration of the world’s oldest art form is expected to draw more than 11,000 fans from across the country.
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n our age of fast-moving technology, it seems unlikely that thousands of audience members could spend a weekend mesmerized by the voices of storytellers. But that's exactly what happens in Jonesborough during the first full weekend of October each year. Festivities will run October 6-8, with full performance schedules on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The lineup, curated by the International Storytelling Center, consists of more than two dozen world-class storytellers and musicians who represent oral traditions from different times and places. A variety of tickets are available, including weekend passes, one-day tickets, and stand-alone admission to special events. The Festival’s core programming consists of meticulously produced storytelling shows held beneath big-top tents scattered across downtown Jonesborough. Those performances will run from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The diverse lineup includes master of improvisationBen Haggarty, of Britain, known internationally for his playful, physical and challenging performances; Cuban-American dynamo Carmen Deedy; four-time Grammy award winner and
minstrel storyteller David Holt; and Anne Shimojima, who will share folk tales from her Asian heritage and around the world, as well as her Japanese American family’s WWII incarceration camp story. This year’s featured tellers also include perennial southern favorites such as Donald Davis, Sheila Kay Adams, and Bil Lepp. By showcasing oral traditions from the South and all over the world, the Festival inspires unexpected connections and promotes cultural understanding. To complement the Festival’s signature storytelling concerts, many of the special events scheduled throughout the weekend are included in the price of the ticket, including Exchange Place, a concert focusing on new talent; the Swappin’ Ground, where anyone can tell a story; and a Story Slam competition that offers cash prizes. Separately ticketed events include two preFestival concerts also held on the Festival grounds: celebrated storyteller Donald Davis, on Wednesday, October 4, and beloved humorist Jeanne Robertson, on Thursday, October 5. Both all-ages shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased on site for as long as supplies last.
Visitors can also expect two nights of ghost stories, which are told in the open Autumn air beneath the stars, and a Friday night Midnight Cabaret featuring Andy Offutt Irwin, who is equal parts mischievous schoolboy and the Marx brothers, peppered with a touch of Southern balladeer. Three workshops led by nationally-known artists will also be held on Thursday, October 5, in Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall: “Finding the Storytelling in You” with Connie Regan-Blake, “Hidden Gems: Mastering Transitions in Storytelling” with Antonio Rocha, and “Who We Are: A Story-Writing Workshop” with Minton Sparks. Tickets for the National Storytelling Festival — as well as all special events throughout the week — can be purchased online at www. storytellingcenter.net, at the International Storytelling Center (ISC) in downtown Jonesborough, or on the Festival grounds. The National Storytelling Festival is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Tennessee Quilts. For more information or to make reservations, call ISC at (800) 952-8392, ext. 221.
Performs at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Eddie Money, known for hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Take Me Home Tonight,” brings his high energy show to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 7th at 7:30 PM.
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ddie Money burst onto the scene with his self-titled album in 1977 and fans immediately fell in love with his sound. Eddie is a music icon whose blue-collar brand of rock n' roll has managed to transcend generations and continues to move audiences today. Over the course of his storied career, he has sold more than 28 million records worldwide, with many of his songs appearing in film, television and video games. His hit songs include "Two Tickets To Paradise," "Baby Hold On," "Walk On Water," "Think I'm In Love," "Shakin," and his legendary hit with Ronnie Spector, "Take Me Home Tonight." That song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the album went platinum, featuring the hit “I Wanna Go Back.” He is also an accomplished musician who sings, writes, and plays the saxophone, harmonica and piano. Money continues to be one of the hardest working men in rock and roll, performing about 150 shows every year with his same signature style and passion as he did more than 30 years ago. Don’t miss rocker Eddie Money at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 7th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $50 for orchestra level seating, $45 for mezzanine seating and $40 for balcony seats. Tickets are on sale now for all performances for the entire 2017-2018 season and may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.npacgreeneville.com.
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Legendary Rocker Eddie Money
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Art from the Heart
FL3TCH3R Exhibit for Social and Politically Engaged Art: 2017 work communicates emotions, frustration, darkness of times
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ocial and news media are full of commentary on the issues and condition of the world, but often appropriate conversations are few. The fifth annual FL3TCH3R Exhibit at ETSU’s Reece Museum, opening Monday, Oct. 9, invites works in varied media that “reflect current issues that affect contemporary culture and investigate societal and political concerns” – and conversations inevitably follow. “There was such a variety of subject matter, but I felt that a lot of the work came from the heart,” says 2017 exhibit juror Anita Kunz. “It felt emotional to me. A lot of it felt to me as though it came from frustration at not having a better world … The work has meaning. A show like that will be powerful. “There were whispers and there were shouts. There were big angry pieces and beautiful little subtle ones.” Kunz, an internationally published and exhibited artist and illustrator, pored over
352 artworks from 132 artists from 30 United States and 10 countries. In 2016, there were 253 submissions and 63 selections exhibited. This year, Kunz selected 76 pieces by 55 artists from six countries and 21 U.S. states. "The opportunity to host and, in a sense, collaborate with so many artists and their artworks from so many different perspectives and locations across the U.S. and internationally is such an exciting opportunity and honor," says Carrie Dyer, exhibit co-director. The FL3TCH3R Exhibit: Social and Politically Engaged Art was established in 2013 by art professor Wayne Dyer, Barbara Dyer and Carrie Dyer in memory of their son and brother, Fletcher, an ETSU bachelor of fine arts senior in graphic design who passed away in 2009 at age 22 in a motorcycle accident. Fletcher “liked to push people’s buttons and couldn’t understand why his friends
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weren’t more concerned about events going on in the world around them,” codirector Wayne Dyer says. “We are also excited that the exhibit's fifth year has had such great participation,” says Barbara Dyer, also a co-director of the exhibit. “This means that we may be able to reach our first goal for the scholarship endowment … and within a year, can start offering an official award. We have already been offering small awards to students as we have been able. The endowment will be an everlasting source of scholarship funds available year after year in Fletcher’s name and memory.” The growth in FL3TCH3R submissions and exhibited pieces has been consistent and encouraging, says Reece Exhibition Coordinator Spenser Brenner. “I can say this:” Brenner says, “I have to explain the idea of the FL3TCH3R Exhibit less each year. When someone comes in, I can say, ‘FL3TCH3R Exhibit and they’re like, ‘Oh, the political show.’ More and more, the name FL3TCH3R is being associated with this type of art. The identity of the show is really coming into its own.” Socially and politically focused art is often difficult to make commercially viable, says art professor Anita DeAngelis, who directs Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU, a co-sponsor of the exhibit. “This particular exhibition gives us an opportunity to show that kind of work and provide an opportunity for artists to display it for others to see.” Juror Anita Kunz, however, has found
a niche making art that addresses social and political issues. She has produced cover art for publications including Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Atlantic Monthly and The New York Times Magazine. She has also illustrated more than 50 book jacket covers. “Dr. Kunz has been delightful to work with and has brought a lot of passion and excitement to the selection process for the 2017 exhibit,” Barbara Dyer says. “Not only has she poured hours of work into the selection process, but she generously has agreed to be available to our ETSU Art & Design students and community by being on campus for one week, Oct. 23-27.” During that visit to ETSU, Kunz will present a Juror’s Talk on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. in Reece Museum, to be followed by the exhibit reception at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Friday, Dec. 15. The FL3TCH3R Exhibit also will provide additional opportunities for conversation through talks, discussions and other activities, Brenner says. Collateral events will be posted at www.etsu.edu/reece under Exhibitions. For more information about Fletcher Dyer, visit http://fletcherdyer.com/about.html. For more information about the exhibit, visit http://www.FL3TCH3Rexhibit.com and for Reece Museum, visit www.etsu. edu/reece or call 423-439-4392. For more information on Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, visit www.etsu.edu/martin.
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is This Week! By Paul Kavanaugh
Shenandoah headlines Saturday band lineup.
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nticipation has been building for weeks; it’s finally here. Holston Riverfest and the Thunder in the Mountains Fall Rod Rally kick off Friday at the Holston River Brewing Company. There are myriad activities for young and old alike. The car show has already seen quite a few entrants and many more will begin arriving at 9:00 AM on Friday. The actual show kicks off at 3:00, running until 9:00 on Friday and 9:00 – 9:00 Saturday. In addition to a spectacular array of cars, bikes and trucks, events include burnout contests, flame throwing contests and a Tug of War. The Brewery installed a professional burnout pad for the RatRod show in June and intends to make full use of it for this weekend. The kids can try out the dunk tank and play
Cornhole in between trying some of the delectable offerings from the many vendors setting up. Food trucks will be on hand and the Brewery will also have its kitchen going full blast. Holston River was the first brewery in Bristol and they will be showcasing their many offerings throughout the festival. Personally, I recommend the 423, named after the area code – quite delicious! No festival would be complete without an outstanding music lineup, and Riverfest is no exception. Shenandoah takes the main stage at 8:40 Saturday night, topping off a full weekend of great entertainment. Friday night brings the eclectic showman Upchurch the Redneck to the main stage at 8:00. A high energy show, this one is not for the kiddies.
Saturday starts with Dylan Schneider at 4:00 followed by these bands:
Jackie Lee at 4:50 LANCO at 6:30
Ashley McBryde at 5:40 Darryl Worley at 7:20
It is only $5 for a day pass or $15 for the whole weekend. Vehicles in the show can register for only $10, $20 including a weekend pass for all the activities. Camping is available and they are set up to handle overflow at nearby Shadrack Campground. This is going to be one fun filled festival. Head on out to Holston River Brewing Company and enjoy a great fall weekend, some great food and some really good beer. See you there!
Returns to Barter Theatre
The world-famous detective will work to unravel one of his biggest cases yet in Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem, now playing on Gilliam Stage.
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hen Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show begin touring in Victorian London for Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the British throne, Holmes will be drawn to the case after the city is plagued by mysterious crimes. Holmes will work to crack the case while coming in contact with famous faces like Annie Oakley in this tale featuring Zacchaeus Kimbrell and Justin Tyler Lewis (photographed) and other members of Barter Theatre’s resident acting company. “When Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes, the world was in desperate need of him,” said director Katy Brown. “People needed someone
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who could look through the smog and see that things were still ‘elementary’ if you knew which things to look at and which to ignore. Consequently, people were mad for him then, and we are still mad for him today.” Corporate sponsor, B&B Consulting Services, makes Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem possible at Barter Theatre. Be sure to get your tickets to upcoming Barter Theatre productions, with tickets for every show starting at $20. Call the Barter Theatre Box Office at 276-628-3991 for more information.
Love reading The Loafer to keep me informed about upcoming events." Cindy W.
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Sherlock Holmes
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T
he Loafer, in concert with Tri Liquors in Piney Flats, announces the Fourth Annual Underworld Famous Drunk – O – Lantern contest. Now is your chance to show your creativity. Get a pumpkin or gourd and create your version of a “Drunkin Punkin”. Bring it into Tri Liquors during October, fill out an entry sheet and get entered. The list of prizes is growing and includes some really nice stuff like a J.P. Wiser’s Whisky Re-chargeable Bluetooth enabled hard sided cooler with built in speakers, SD card slot, equalizer and USB outlet for music input or phone charging. Among the many prizes there is a Boulder Beer Coleman Steel belted cooler and a very nice Jack Daniels Cooler. Everyone who enters wins a prize, so you have nothing to lose – and some nice
prizes to win! Entry forms and the complete list of rules can be found at www.triliquor.com or on their Facebook page. Entries are photographed – be sure to check the rules – and can include up to two pumpkins or gourds. We have seen some really creative concepts over the last three years and we expect more entries this year as folks really seem to get in to it. Contest closes at 9:30 PM on Halloween and the winners will be announced in the November 7 issue of The Loafer as well as online. Check out these photos of last year’s first and second place winners. Good food for thought – now get creative and let’s see what you come up with. We’ll be showing photos of entries all month in The Loafer. It is a good idea to get in early.
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loom Café and Listening Room opened last Friday at 606 State St. This is a lifelong ambition of proprietor Emily Fehr. She worked at a coffee house years ago and caught the bug to own her own business. Emily entered the Believe in Bristol business plan/grant contest and was selected as one of the Tennessee grant winners. After 9 weeks of business classes and a lot of planning, Bloom is the result. It is an attractive spot that serves coffee and espresso drinks as well as beer. They open at 7:00 AM and are there late, serving meals all day long from breakfast to dinner and beyond. Crepes are the specialty of the house along with a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. Emily plans on having live music on site once she gets the operation rolling. Stop by and say hello - and enjoy a crepe - at this new and welcome addition to Downtown Bristol.
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Elderbrew, the newest downtown brewery
ou’ll find our newest brewery at 24 6th Street, just a half block off State St. Officially Elderbrew Nano Brewery & Taproom, founder Chris Bryant and fellow proprietor Michael Peck plan to keep eight beers on tap, some of their own creation and some interesting regional beers they have discovered that are not generally being offered locally. These guys started out as home brewers, not an uncommon story in this business. Their own offerings tend toward more abstract recipes – they certainly are not afraid to experiment. The brewery itself is a nice, open space with a modernist bar. They intend to offer space to local artists to display their creations as well as hosting other type of events; for example, last Friday they hosted a Fire Market with many different types of chili peppers, etc. Oh, and their music is generated from an actual turntable! Stop by, have a taste or two and settle on a pint to enjoy. Elderbrew is a welcome addition to the Bristol brewery scene. Cheers!
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Two New Businesses Make Their Debut
Downtown Bristol
Business is “Blooming”
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William King Museum of Art offers local artists venue in major exhibition From These Hills.
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illiam King Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing exceptional contemporary artwork made in the region, and continues to further that mission with its biennial exhibition From These Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern Appalachian Highlands. Join the Museum and this year’s selected artists on October 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. for the opening reception of From These Hills. From These Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern Appalachian Highlands is one of William King Museum of Art’s longest standing traditions. First held in 1993, this biennial is unique in its geographical scope and the number of important artists it has exhibited who live and work in Southern Appalachia. is year marks William King Museum of Art’s thirteenth biennial with twenty-three artists from around the region chosen by guest curator Courtney A. McNeil, the chief curator of collections and exhibitions for Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia. This year’s From These Hills will celebrate a free public reception on First Thursday, October 5, from 6-8 pm. Many of the selected artists as well as the guest curator will be in attendance. e exhibit will be on display from October 5, 2017 through February 11, 2018. e William King Museum of Art is free and open to the public. For more information on From These Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern Appalachian Highlands contact us at www.williamkingmuseum.org or call 276-628-5005. William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive, o West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. The Museum features five exhibition galleries, artist studios and outdoor sculpture garden. Educational programs in the visual arts are offered year-round for both children and adults, and school audiences are served by in-house and outreach programs. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the William King Museum is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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eserved admission is $20.00 and general admission is $15.00. Concessions will be available as well as 50/50 and raffles. To reserve seats contact Missy Miller at (865) 684-6082 or by email at tribute. entertainment@yahoo.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door at 6:15 PM. The 8th Annual Elvis Extravaganza will feature six Elvis Tribute Artists. Each tribute artist will perform for over twenty minutes in a stage style show performance. The ETA’s will cover the eras of the 50’s, ’68 comeback, movies, gospel and ‘70’s. At the conclusion of the show there will be a special recognition to honor the Veterans. ETA’s will be available to meet and take photos after the show. Elvis Tribute Artist Ronnie Miller will be performing and hosting the event. Ronnie Miller is from Maryville, TN; DJ Phillips is from Knoxville, TN; Brandon E. from Athens, TN; Terry Turner from Lincoln, AL; Stewart Chapman is from Virginia, and Levi Elvis (age 6) is from Bluff City. Show proceeds will be donated to The Wounded Warrior Project. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Missy Miller at 865-684-6082 or tribute.entertainment@ yahoo.com
The Breakfast Club Returns to Capone's
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he Breakfast Club, the region's most popular recurring live music event, returns to Capone's in Johnson City on Saturday, October 7. Fresh off of playing at Bristol Motor Speedway on Food City 500 weekend, the band returns with even more momentum with local fans than ever before. The event was intentionally scheduled on a bye week for UT football in order to cater to more fans. Admission to the show is $12, and the show begins at 10:30 p.m.
For more than 16 years, The Breakfast Club has entertained live music fans in the Tri-Cities region. Several line-up changes, social changes, and changes in popular music haven't slowed down the '80s music juggernaut. Hundreds of fans routinely flock to The Breakfast Club shows to sing and dance along to their favorite nostalgic tunes. Since their first show in the region, The Breakfast Club has become woven into the fabric of local music tradition.
For more information, visit www.thebreakfastclub.com or www.caponesjohnsoncity.com. The event is produced by Ansley Roberts Promotions.
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Extravaganza
Elvis
R&M Tribute Entertainment presents the 8th Annual Elvis Extravaganza Veteran show to benefit The Wound Warrior Project on Saturday, October 7 at 7:00 PM at The Renaissance Center Auditorium located at 1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.
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Borrowed ladders, rising together in a temporary public art project that involves,engages, and is about the Kingsport Community Sponsored by: City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts & Tennessee Arts Commission
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KINGSPORT
veryone & every part of the community can participate in creating this sculptural celebration the combined of hopes & dreams that are the community of Kingsport. Individuals, families, organizations, schools, churches, & businesses are invited to lend ladders (symbolizing their hopes & dreams) to be joined together in a monumental sculpture towering in front of the Renaissance Center & spilling across its lawn to Center St. All ladders are welcome – real ladders in any form, size or condition – handmade ladders created from any material or anything that looks like, or functions like a ladder. The ladders can be as ordinary, creative, or expressive as you want them to be. Each ladder will be registered & tagged to identify the lender, & their names will be added to the “List of Ladder Lenders” on a sign by the sculpture, on the website & Facebook page. All ladders will be returned! (if you don’t want it back, we’ll donate it to Holston Habitat for Humanity) Timeline Now thru Oct. 14, engaging community and borrowing ladders. Ladders can be dropped off at the Renaissance Center on these dates and times:( or call 423-392-8414 to arrange for us to pick up your ladder ) Fri. Oct. 6, 5-7pm, Sat. Oct. 7, 10-1pm, Sun. Oct. 8, 2-5pm, Mon. – Fri. Oct. 9 – 13, 2-7pm Sat. Oct. 14, 9am – until the last ladder is added at 2pm Oct. 10 – 13, building the sculpture (continuing to solicit, receive and pick-up ladders in the AM and working from 2pm-7pm on building the sculpture). Oct. 14, receiving ladders from 9AM until the last one is added at 2pm. Nov. 13 – 17, taking down the sculpture and returning the ladders. How You Can Help • Lend a ladder – we want this to be about the whole community! • Tell your friends, club, church or community org. about it – think about parts of the community that should be included – help them get a ladder ready to lend. • Volunteer to help with the project (receiving & registering ladders, canvassing, picking up ladders for people who can’t transport them, assisting with handling ladders during building & take down...More info at: www.risetogetherkingsport.org Follow us on Facebook: @risetogetherkingsport Questions, want to lend a ladder or volunteer to help? Call 423-392-8414
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Spotlight
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- TUESDAY - October 3rd -
If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.
- FRIDAY - October 6th -
- SATURDAY - October 7th -
Froggy Fresh The Hideaway
The Surly Gentlemen Down Home
Phoenix Band Bristol Country Show Palace
Stemwinder Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Pea Pickin’ Hearts Yee Haw Brewing Company
Lauren Cole Band Gypsy Circus Cider Company
Old Movie Night Bears Bar
Guy Marshall Capitol Theatre
Shooter Band Lynnview high school
Jake Quillin Band Sleepy Owl Brewery
Phoenix Band The Country Music Palace
Nightshift Band Lion’s Club
The Wormholes, Loose Leaves Acoustic Coffeehouse
Shooter Band Elizabethton Elks Lodge
Rick Morris Band Buffalo Ruritan
Jason Keiser, Jazz Duo Acoustic Coffeehouse
Shenandoah, Dylan Schneider, Jackie Lee, Ashley McBryde, Lanco, Darryl Worley Holston River Brewing Company
- WEDNESDAY - October 4th Open Hoot Down Home Acoustic Jam Session Acoustic Coffeehouse Bike Night Bears Bar
- THURSDAY - October 5th Jam with Zoh Hamrick Wellington’s Restaurant The Railsplitters Down Home
SHAKE yo MoneyMaker Rush Street Kids Our Age Memorial Park Community Center Upchurch The Redneck Holston River Brewing Company
Beth Snapp High Voltage Dennis Coffey Art in the Heart Gallery State of Affairs Model City Tap House Nostalgia Duo Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill New Fame Acoustic Coffeehouse Open Talent Night Bears Bar
- FRIDAY - October 6th Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre Capone’s Corey Hunt at Bonefire Smokehouse JV Squad 50Fifty Sports Tavern Friday w/ Loose Leaves, Minorcan & Us, If The Hideaway
Railway Express Country Club Bar & Grill Quarter Bounce with Rusty Steele CJs Sports Bar
- SATURDAY - October 7th Clockwork Asylum 11E Sports Bar
Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar Mathew Hickey Band Woodstone Deli Railway Express Country Club Bar & Grill Bryan Morton Comedy Show Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Ali Randolph and the Outta Luck Band CJs Sports Bar
The Breakfast Club Capone's
- SUNDAY - October 8th -
Southern Rebellion Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar
Pierre Bensusan Down Home
Shiloh Hill at Bonefire Smokehouse
Tenth Avenue North Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Nightshift Band Moose Lodge
Rapid River Boys Band Acoustic Coffeehouse
Time Sawyer w/ Tyler Luttrell The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Eddie Money Niswonger Performing Arts Center Cumberland River Band Capitol Theatre
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400
Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875
Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100
Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464
Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037
Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444
CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361
Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport
Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440
FRIDAY
TUESDAY
Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN ***********************
THURSDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
SATURDAY
Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************
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SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY
KARAOKE
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872
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Six Decades of Space Age
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Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
The Space Age is officially 60 years old as the world celebrates the 1957 launch of the former USSR’s first satellite, Sputnik 1. And a look back finds the world far different than maybe any other six-decade span in human history.
hat Friday night on Oct. 4, 1957 had Americans looking skyward as radio news and evening newspapers announced the Communist nation had orbited an artificial moon around the Earth. Beeping a prerecorded noise heard by ham radio operators, Sputnik, translated “traveler” was announcing to the world that a new age had begun. America was stunned. This was the height of the Cold War when nuclear weapons proliferated to a frightening standoff between the USA and USSR. Though only 23 inches in diameter and weighing 184 pounds with no scientific value, just the thought of the Soviets having the ability to cross over the USA from outer space sent a chill down the spine of America’s Department of Defense, and outright fear among citizens. A month later Nov. 3rd the Russians backed up their ability to enter outer space by launching a living dog into space aboard a complex, one-ton space ship Sputnik 2. The female “mutnik” named Laika wasn’t orbited to return, but the path for human to enter space was clearly laid down. It took America until the following January 31st to match the feat of sending their own satellite into Earth orbit, Explorer 1. Unlike the simple electric tone emitted by Sputnik 1, Explorer had real scientific instruments aboard and discovered the Van Allen radiation belt. Following more Soviet space launches, the U.S. Congress formed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Oct. 1, 1958. The Space Race was on! And the prize was the Moon, 240,000 miles away. Sputnik transmitted for 21 days until batteries ran out, and on Jan. 4, 1958, it burned up reentering the atmosphere after completing 1,440 orbits of Earth. Explorer 1 stayed in orbit until 1970. In the beginning, NASA’s every move was followed in the media of our open democracy, while the Soviet space program was enshrouded in complete secrecy. Announcements of Russian space accomplishments were released by the government news service called TASS. Only the successes and failures it could not cover up reached America’s shores. The Soviet space program became a propaganda arm of Primer Nikita Khrushchev, and he wanted his cosmonauts to show their superiority over the US astronauts. Khrushchev demanded some dangerous missions that included the first spacewalk (trouble getting back inside), the first female in space (for three days, more than all U.S. Mercury flights combined), and the first three-man crew (in the two-man Voskhod spacecraft). The Soviet Premier even arranged the marriage of the third man in space Andrian Nikolayev, deceased, to lady cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, giving her hand a way in public ceremony! Meanwhile, the American space program made its share of mistakes, and could have benefited from the knowledge of Soviet blunders they repeated. In the post-World War II 1950s, America had captured German rocket scientist Werner von Braun and he was creating rockets of destruction for the Army. If allowed free reign of his talents, Von Braun could have orbited a payload on his Redstone rocket maybe as early as 1955. But President Dwight Eisenhower wanted our first satellite to coincide with the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year celebrations. And when our Communist rivals did it first, America was caught off guard and its citizens didn’t like being behind.
All through the 1960s, the cloaked USSR space program claimed superiority over the USA, but that was far from the facts. And when three astronauts orbited the Moon aboard Apollo 8 on Christmas Eve 1968, America had won the Moon Race without even landing. NASA had demonstrated that Von Braun’s mammoth Saturn V was reliable for a moon landing, while secretly, the USSR’s moon rocket, Nova, had blown up at least twice (killing dozens of top technicians the first time). When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their Apollo 11 moon ship at the shores of the frozen lava sea called Mare Tranquility, the Soviets claimed they weren’t going to the Moon and were instead interested in earth-orbiting space stations. The truth behind the propaganda of the Soviet space program was slow to come out in the public eye. But it began in the 1990s during the mutual training of astronauts and cosmonauts for the nine Space Shuttle missions to Russian space station Mir. One of the first revelations was about the celebrated first spaceman, Yuri Gagarin—he didn’t land with his Vostok 1 spacecraft, parachuting safely in an open field. For more than two decades it was not known that the first seven Vostok spacecraft deployed parachutes after a fiery reentry and at 70,000 feet the cosmonaut ejected and floated on a parachute to Earth. That’s because retrorockets to break the spacecraft’s impact with ground weren’t perfected until the two-man Voskhod and three-man Soyuz spacecrafts. NASA landed its Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spaceships in the ocean. Other facts surfaced about failed spacecraft rendezvous, problems with the one-man moonship Zond, and the disasters of the gigantic Nova rocket with a 36 engine first stage. One thing was for certain: the USSR wanted to be first on the Moon just as bad as the USA. But where peaceful exploration was America’s motivation, it was the military high ground that drove the Communist moon program. Incredibly the Moon Race happened in the first decade of the Space Age, and no human has returned since 1972. Unmanned probes have taken us back to the Moon, and to all the planets, a half-dozen asteroids and comets— even distant Pluto. Arguably the greatest achievement in 60 years of space exploration is the $100 billion International Space Station and it’s 14-nation partnership. Largely built by 35 Space Shuttle missions and occupied 15 years by Expedition crews of up to 6 people, it will be funded at least through 2022. The Space Age has transformed Earth into a wireless world, satellites and ground technology giving humans anywhere instant information about things that matter and other things that don’t. And just where will the world be in another six decades of space exploration? Maybe humans will be inhabitants of three worlds by returning to the Moon and conquering Mars? One thing for certain: the human spirit will continually explore.
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hine on Harvest Moon as our neighbor in space is at full phase and illuminating the night. In just a month, that moonlight will silhouette bare trees instead of the colorful foliage that is dropping to the ground this week. The predawn sky features Venus and Mars rising ahead of the Sun, and the evening sees Saturn setting with the Milky Way. Tuesday, October 3
Happy birthday 82nd birthday to Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke. On his only spaceflight, Duke and John Young, 87, enjoyed three days in the lunar mountains in April 1972, putting almost 20 miles on the Lunar Rover. Duke was the mission control Capcom talking to the Apollo 11 astronauts on the historic July 20, 1969 landing, saying “a bunch of guys are about to turn blue in the face” waiting for the landing confirmation.
Wednesday, October 4
mission that deployed the Ulysses spacecraft, the first to orbit the Sun’s poles. In 1992, NASA and the Russian Space Agency signed an historic agreement to share astronauts and cosmonauts in the construction of the International Space Station.
Saturday, October 7
On this 1959 date in space history, the Soviet Union’s Luna 3 spacecraft returned the first photos of the backside of the Moon. Today NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is taking photos in unprecedented detail and sniffing for chemicals on the surface of our closest neighbor in space.
The Moon is at full phase today, rising in the east as the Sun sets in the west. On this 1957 date in space history the Space Age began as the Sunday, October 8 Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite in Earth orbit, Sputnik Saturn sets this week around 10:30 pm, taking with it the Milky Way in constellations 1. Scorpius and Sagittarius. In a month, the ringed world will be saying goodbye to the night and reappear in the December morning skies.
Thursday, October 5
On this 1984 date in space history, Space Shuttle Challenger was Monday, October 9 launched on the STS-41G mission. This was the first seven-person crew When you look at the Moon tonight, and you know you probably will—even if out a in outer space, and included Kathleen Sullivan, who became the first window—think of the frozen water at the poles and in deep craters. On this date in 2009, American woman to walk in space. NASA announced their spacecraft called LCROSS had discovered ice beneath the surface of craters at the South Pole that never see the warmth of sunlight.
Friday, October 6
In 1990, Discovery was rocketed into space from Cape Kennedy on a
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THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Oct. 3-9, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
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for Uncle Boris
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Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
October is finally here, I’m so happy I could turn cartwheels down main street. This is my favorite month, hands down.
s the calendar crept closer to the first day of Fall last month, I found myself spending more and more time watching movies and TV shows with the great Boris Karloff in them. I came to be a Boris Karloff fan in my late 20s, after spending years seeing almost every classic I could get my hands, I had never looked into the wonderful world of Universal Monsters. That all changed one night when I was at home and trying to find something to watch, Turner Classic Movies that night was airing the original “Frankenstein” a film that I had never seen, and I decided I was overdue seeing the film. As I watched the film I was completely wrapped up in it, it was so good, and like many before me, I was completely stricken with Boris Karloff’s amazing performance as The Monster. I quickly realized I needed to see more of Karloff’s work, including “Bride of Frankenstein” which is now one of my absolute favorite films. Karloff was born in 1887 in London as William Henry Pratt, he began his acting career in Canada in the early 1900s—disappointing his family who wished he become a lawyer. It was during these stage years when he adopted Boris Karloff as his moniker. Karloff came to Hollywood towards the end of the sound era, and mostly played bit parts in films until he took on the role which made him a star, The Monster in James Whale’s 1931 “Frankenstein.” Karloff was in his early ‘40s when he became a star, which serves as a
lesson you’re never too late or anything in life to get what you want. “Frankenstein” was a, um, monster success at the box office. Single handedly making a $700,000 profit (which is about 11 million in modern terms) for Universal. Overnight Karloff had a career as a horror star, which he would enjoy the rest of his life. Karloff was so appreciative, and enjoyed the work, that he rarely turned down parts. Even taking a Broadway role of Jonathan Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”—which has lines joking that Jonathan “looks like Boris Karloff.” With his presence and that sonorous, English voice of his—which he used to great effect making the animated “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Karloff is one of the great icons of Horror cinema, and of classic Hollywood. There’s a gem of an early ‘60s Horror Anthology series he hosted called “Thriller,” I wrote about the show when it came out on DVD seven years ago. Karloff stars in a handful of episodes, and each of them are absolutely worth seeing. Having grown into quite the fan of Boris Karloff, you can imagine my delight when I saw that Target this year has a talking Halloween decorative bust of him as The Mummy. It’s all part of a line of Halloween goodies featuring the famed Universal Monsters, that Karloff was a central part of. Horror franchises come and go, but if in 2017 kids can still buy monster masks that look like his characters, it’s proof that Karloff is eternal. See you next week.
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’Tis the Season
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The Lego Ninjago Movie (Rated PG) 3 Legos (out of 4)
It appears the Lego movie franchise may be waning in popularity. After 2014's "The Lego Movie" and 2017's "The Lego Batman Movie" were smash hits, Warner Brothers wasted no time in releasing "The Lego Ninjago Movie", which has met with a tepid response from movie fans. Is the film as bad as the response from audiences has been? In my opinion, no.
T Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
he film is based on the Lego Ninjago toy line, and one would think with such a pedigree Lego fans would race to theaters. Sadly the film has earned 50% less of the previous films its opening weekend. The film follows teenage ninja Lloyd Garmadon (Dave Franco), as he deals with his high school years, a villainous and absent father, Lord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), and his role as leader of the Secret Ninja Force, a group of Ninja's that protect the city of Ninjago. The city is frequently attacked by Lord Garmadon, leaving Lloyd in an almost constant battle against his father. Lloyd is aided by the Ninja of Fire, Kai (Michael Pena), Lightning Ninja Jay (Kumail Nanjiani), Ice Ninja Zane (Zach Woods) and Earth Ninja Cole (Fred Armisen). The commander and trainer of the group is Master Wu (Jackie Chan), who just happens to be Lord Garmadon's brother. Talk about a dysfunctional family! Speaking of Chan, he also plays the live action role of Mr. Liu at the beginning and end of the film who explains the story of Ninjago to a young boy visiting his shop. As I mentioned earlier, the story is basically about Lloyd's battles with his dad, until the two (spoiler alert) settle their differences and all is well. I failed to mention a giant cat(!) attacks the city making for some quite hilarious moments. If you thought the old Godzilla movies featuring the creature stomping on Matchbox cities was a hoot, wait until you see the cat in this film do the same to Lego buildings. The film has some delightful moments featuring Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan of "Good Morning America" recreating themselves as hosts of a hyper Ninjago morning news show. The film does feature some witty dialogue that will certainly be appreciated by the adults in the audience. Personally, I was entertained thought out the
film, but this effort does not quite reach the level of the first two Lego movies. It was novel to see the always enjoyable Chan in some liveaction segments, and his credits ending only made me want to see more of him. I'm still a bit puzzled why more kids aren't flocking to see this film, which I'm sure left the filmmakers wondering the same. Even though the film is a bit "busy" at times, it's nevertheless a good film for the family. Overall, "The Lego Ninjago Movie" is a fun movie missing an audience.
Theatre Bristol Announces Auditions
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heatre Bristol announces auditions for "Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells," October 8, 9, 15 and 16 at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Under the direction of Dottie Havlik, Junie B. will make her debut on the Theatre Bristol stage and bring holiday cheer in her own spunky way. No preparation is required to audition and roles are available for men, women, and children. Show details, audition times, and rehearsal dates are available at www.TheatreBristol.org/audition. "June B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" opens December 1, and runs for three
weekends, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, closing on December 17. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, and available at www.Theatre Bristol.org. "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com). For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
“Appalachian Mountain Song”
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and MECCA Men
The Appalachian Men’s Ensemble (AMEn) and the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy (MECCA) Men’s Ensemble will present a joint concert titled “Appalachian Mountain Song” on Saturday, October 7, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Broad St, Kingsport, and on Sunday, October 8, 3:00 p.m. at Munsey Memorial United Methodist, 201 S Roan St, Johnson City.
he concert is the first time the two ensembles have performed together, and the program will feature both familiar Appalachian songs and new works by composers from the region. Each choir will perform separately and will join forces for a special closing number. AMEn will perform the world premiere of a work by internationallyrenowned composer, Daniel Gawthrop, titled Lead, Kindly Light. Gawthrop lived in Gray, TN, until 2015. AMEn is an all-male vocal ensemble of auditioned voices from throughout the greater Tri-Cities area. The group is dedicated to performing a wide range of choral repertoire – both sacred and secular – from the late Middles Ages to the present. AMEn is unique in its formation and execution, representing one of the few male choral ensembles of its size to perform music of such a demanding caliber with a limited rehearsal schedule. Dr. Alan Stevens, the Artistic Director, is also
the Associate Director of Choral Activities at East Tennessee State University. The Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, now in its 30th year, is led by artistic director Jane DeLoach-Morison. MECCA has trained hundreds of children in singing. MECCA Men is the advanced high school men’s ensemble of the academy. The program has trained hundreds of children throughout the region in choral singing. Concert admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, visit www.AppMensEnsemble.org or contact AMEn at AppalachianMensEnsemble@gmail.com. Singers interested in joining either choir should contact the same. AMEn and MECCA are both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Concert updates and additional information found at www.Facebook.com/AMEnEnsemble and www.Facebook.com/MECCAcademy
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Collaborate to Present
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Olivia Bailey: The Interview, Part 1
With some people you can just tell. At a time which was more years ago than I want to talk about, I worked as a reporter at WCYB-TV5 and was sent on assignment on the fourth of July. That particular night one of our interns went with me to cover the fireworks display on South Holston Lake. A very generous local gentleman allowed us on his house boat and she shot some spectacular footage of the fireworks reflecting off the water which she then used edit a great story together. But more importantly, she was the light of the room while we interacted with the crowd of folks gathered on the boat. Her name is Olivia Bailey and she has risen from intern to anchor in the years since, which is not surprising to anyone who has ever known her. If you don’t know her, you need to. Here is your chance.
Mountain Movers
By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com
BRIAN: Olivia, I know you are super busy so thank you for your time first of all. I am going to jump right in at the beginning with you. You grew up in this region and some people might not have heard your story. What was growing up like? Don’t forget to mention dip dogs. OLIVIA: I loved growing up here, and I’ve continued to learn that more as I’ve gotten older. I had a great childhood. I grew up in Smyth County. I was the first rebel in the family to break the cycle and go to Chilhowie High School, instead of Marion (although I did attend Marion schools in my younger years). We lived for most of my childhood in a neighborhood that my grandfather and his brothers built, so it wasn’t ever uncommon to see my brother and I walking across everyone’s yards to get to someone else’s house. That wasn’t too far from the Dip Dog. My grandfather bought that and passed it down to my aunt and uncle. I can remember sticking Dip Dogs from the time I was five. (I always have to remind people the sticks don’t get in there by a machine – they’re all stuck by hand!) I worked there through much of high school, so I missed several high school football games growing up, but that’s absolutely where I got my discipline and work ethic. That first job gave me a lot of opportunities. I ended up working with Ken Heath in community and economic development from the Town of Marion. Ken always made sure I was always front-and-center when we had a visit to any media outlet. Those are connections from seven years ago that I still carry with me today. I left a couple of times for larger media outlets, spending some time in Atlanta for CNN and New York City for CBS Evening News. It was during those times I realized I wanted to come back home. BRIAN: Obviously growing up in the region holds fond memories for you. But, as a professional journalist, you could be a bunch of different places at this point if you chose. What is it about this place and the people who live here that makes you still call it home? OLIVIA: Sometimes all people need is a voice to have their stories told. I thought early in my career I wanted to be in the top markets and network positions; however, I quickly realized how much I love local news. I’ve had quite the cyclical journey. I spent the summer of my junior year in college at CNN Newsource, which distributes to stations all across the country. As a journalist, you grow to love the pace and chaos of the 24-hour news cycle. I kept realizing all of the stories we were capturing at the national level had such an important role to the citizens of their individual communities. After CNN, I moved to Ireland as part of a program for Emory & Henry where I spent time outside of news working with the long-term unemployed and immigrants looking for work in Dublin. I missed working in the newsroom at that point, but that started to be my turning point where I realized how vital it is to sit down and talk to people face-to-face to learn their stories. I came back to WCYB for a few months before I moved to New York City for CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley. I was an intern on Anthony Mason’s team, whose team produced stories for the evening news. Anthony is a super busy guy, so he was traveling quite a bit for CBS Sunday Morning and back to anchor CBS This Morning Saturday. Anthony didn’t have an assistant, so I often stepped in and ran social media pages while he was on the air. Each show in TV has a different atmosphere. I wanted all the experience that I could have in the business, especially around the best and brightest. New York really opened my eyes to how much I loved local news. I loved the work I did while I was there, but I really began to yearn to tell the stories of people who couldn’t tell those stories themselves. Those people are not incapable of talking, but they often don’t have access to the right outlet to do so.
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Mammoth Cave National Park
America’s national parks, fifty-nine areas of unsurpassed beauty and wonder, are lands of superlatives. Denali is home to the highest point in North America. Sequoia has the largest trees on earth. Hawai’i Volcanoes features not only the most active volcano, but also sits atop Mauna Loa, the tallest mountain in the entire world. Our own Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more flowering plants than any other area of the country.
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Appalachian Wanderers
By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com
ust a couple hours north of Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park sits among the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State. For first time visitors, the park might not seem so special while driving down Mammoth Cave Parkway. Lush forest lines both sides of the road, providing a refuge to deer, turkey, and other wildlife. The knobs and valleys the parkway traverses are picturesque, but insignificant when compared to the Smokies soaring peaks. What is so special about this park that draws half a million visitors each year? Of course, if it wasn’t for the park’s name, this might remain a mystery until one arrives at the visitor center. We all know that Mammoth Cave lies beneath the surface of the Kentucky landscape. Stretching through passageways large and small, Mammoth Cave is the largest cave system on the planet. Over four hundred miles have been explored so far, with new tunnels and hidden passageways found on the regular. New park visitors should make their way first to the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. The modern facility is home to an information center, the official national park store, an informative museum, and the ticket center. If one has not already purchased tour tickets, it’s best to immediately stop at the tour registration desk to choose which cave tour one would like to go on. Over a dozen excursions are offered, ranging from easy half-hour strolls to taxing adventures which require six hours to complete, so it’s best to discuss one’s preferences with the rangers before purchasing a ticket. They can provide suggestions depending on visitors’ interests, whether they be classic cave formations, subterranean wildlife, or the cave’s storied history. Visitors may have to wait for the scheduled tour time. If that is the case, the park museum is a great place to gain a better understanding of what waits in the depths below the surface. Here one will learn of the cave’s first explorers, ancient woodland people who ventured into the darkness as a rite of passage. The geology and formation of the cave itself is investigated. Visitors will learn of the specialized life forms inhabiting the grottos, from cave crickets which gather at the entranceways to eyeless cave fish, pale and blind from millennia of living in complete darkness. As always, we had to stop by the store to get our official stamp on our passport books. Here one can purchase maps, hiking medallions, guidebooks, postcards, and many other mementos to remember their visit to the park. Before venturing below the surface, one should become familiar with all the park offers above ground. Just behind the visitor center sits the Lodge at Mammoth Cave. This hotel offers a variety of options for guests who wish to stay on site throughout their visit. One can choose from the modern rooms at the main part of the hotel or budget-friendly quarters at the Sunset Terrace motel. A more rustic experience can be had while staying at the Woodland and Historic Cottages. These bungalows have one to four bedrooms and are placed in a forested setting just a short walk from the main lodge. The Green River Grill and Spelunkers Café offer dining options here as well for hotel guests and park visitors alike. For those who prefer to rough it, three campgrounds are spaced throughout the park. The Mammoth Cave Campground is the largest and sits within the visitor center complex. 105 sites offer plenty of space, while the nearby campground store offers plenty of camping necessities, a laundromat, and a post office. Not far away sits the park amphitheater. Here rangers invite guests to join them for nightly campfire talks to learn even more about the wonders of the park. The Houchin Ferry Campground is much more primitive and sits on the shores of the Green River, while Maple Springs Campground caters to larger groups who want to explore the backcountry areas on the north side of the park. Of course, as most national parks do, Mammoth Cave offers a plethora of hiking trails for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Accessible nature trails such as Sloans Crossing Pond Walk and Sand Cave Trail allow everyone to enjoy the natural wonders above ground. Several miles of trails crisscross the area around the visitor center complex, ranging from nature boardwalks to strenuous climbs down to the Green River and back. These dip into sinkholes, stop by
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Double Vision The eye Of this storm Has its sights set On the next weary traveler Unaware of the disaster
The Casual Word
By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord
That awaits them The cornea preemptively splashes With growing winds and rains Making way for the iris The wall with which all hell is released Sustaining the power Ferocity Make it through To be face to face Eye to eye Glaring into the pupil As it casts its gaze upon you This eerie calm Precedes turned heads And chaos ensues
• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 25% off your check – alcohol not included • Studio Brew 15% off food and gift shop merchandise • Shanghai Chinese Restaurant 10% off your entire check • The Southern Churn 10% off your order • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking
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That’s why I came back to WCYB, and that’s largely why I report in southwest Virginia. This is a region where everyone has left. Businesses have left, people have left, resources have left, money has left. It has a long history of when things get hard, people leave. While some of those exits were not voluntary, I realized I had the ability to change that narrative. The people of southwest Virginia need a voice. So many times, I hear that people in the region don’t think their story is important or it’s not ‘newsworthy,’ but I’ve always believed that everyone has a story to tell. The people here care deeply about this region, and they’re often willing to go above and beyond to help. It has honestly been an honor to tell the stories of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. These regions can sometimes be forgotten by state capitals that are half of a day’s drive away, so I feel like it’s my responsibility to keep this area and its people on the minds of those who are making decisions. There’s also rarely a story where I’m out and can’t strike up a conversation with someone. Whether they know my family or we graduated from the same college or I’ve covered a story in their hometown, people here are connected. I have a hard time thinking I could leave the people who have built me into the person I am today.
Part 2 of the interview continues next week. WANDERERS continued from page 25 cave entrances, and skirt the edge of impressive river bluffs. Be sure to pick up a trail map at the visitor center, because the trail layouts are rather confusing in this section of the park. Bikes are welcome on the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail which traces the historical route followed by the area’s former railroad. Visitors who take the Green River Ferry across to the park’s northern half are in for a treat. Devoid of the crowds which flock to the cave areas, this part of Mammoth Cave National Park offers almost sixty miles of
backcountry hiking trails that explore the rough terrain. Primitive campsites are scattered throughout, and most of the trails are open to horseback riding as well. Big Hollow Trail also is a destination for mountain bikers, as it is one of few such biking trails found in the national park system. Be sure to join us next week as we venture underground and also explore the unique history of this amazing national park!
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Paramount Partners
Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance
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Answers on page 31
So many kittens at the shelter that need good homes. The little orange kitty is missing part of his front leg but is so sweet and was found abandoned that way.
All the kitties are spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccines! Please come visit and see all the sweet animals up for adoption!
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he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time. Donations can be sent to The Bridge
Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ bridgehome
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PETS
OF THE WEEK
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THINGS TO DO Annual Fishout Legion Street Pool will be transformed into a fishing hole on Saturday, Oct. 7, with 2,000 rainbow trout up for grabs in Johnson City’s annual “Say YES to Fishing, Say NO to Drugs” fishout. Children ages 3-14 (accompanied by an adult) are invited to participate from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in this free event. Poles and bait will be provided, and hundreds of prizes will be given. Volunteers will clean the fish caught by youth so they can take them home to cook! Then, on Sunday, Oct. 8, the rest of the community is invited to fish for the remaining trout for a donation of $10 per hour (proceeds go to the fishout program). Fishing will take place from noon until 5 p.m. The program has seen broad-based community support ever since. Area sponsors provide prizes, exhibits and activities for participants. Local volunteers donate their time to work the event, along with representatives from the Johnson City Police, Fire, Community Relations and Parks and Recreation departments; Washington County Sheriff’s Office; and Army National Guard. For more information, contact the Johnson City Police Department at 423-434-6105. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••
cal business, church, school or community organization, please call 423-408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-679-4669 or visit www. marshblood.com. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••
worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller for world records. Thousands of people in cities around the world will learn the Thriller dance and perform it precisely at the same time. All ages may participate in dance practice to learn Thriller at The Johnson City Public Library in the Jones Meeting Room on the following Wednesdays in October at 6:00 p.m.: October 4, 11 and 18. Sign-ups will take place at the practices and are a commitment to participate in the Thrill the World event on October 28. The event on October 28 will begin at 4:30 p.m. and participants must have attended at least one practice and filled out a registration form to be eligible to dance. Dancers may arrive between 4:30 and 5:30 to sign in, review the dance moves, and have a snack. The dance will begin at 6:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in zombie attire. For more information about these and other Youth Services programs, please call 423-434-4458.
The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who •••••••••••••••••••••••••• wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. MPCC to host ‘I Pink I Can’ for Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Breast Cancer Awareness Month JGirls ages 5-13 are invited to Public Library. dress up in pink and have some ••••••••••••••••••••••••••
fun while celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St. Participants will be pampered with pink makeup, nail polish and hair color from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The girls will enjoy crafts, music and dancing, and will walk down a pink runway to show off their glamorous looks at the end of the night. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $7. For more information, call 423-4345749. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Friday Night Dance Citizens are invited to put on their dancing shoes and join Senior Services the first and third Friday of each month to dance the night away. Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will host Friday Night Dances from 7-10 p.m. Next up is Kids Our Age on Friday, Oct. 6. Cost is $5 with a discount for SilverSneakers® eligible participants. Please pre-register at the Senior Services desk or pay at the door. For more information, call (423)434-6237. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• VHCC Arts Array Concert The Paramount Chamber Players
will be performing Sunday October 8th at 3:00 at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, VA as part of the VHCC Spencer-Miller Concert Series. The concert is free to all area students and 10.00 for the general public. Pure Classics: We refer to the 65 Mustang, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, the I Love Lucy Show, and Elvis’ Can’t Help Falling in Love with You as classics because each in their own way clearly defined a cultural moment. Similarly, the music of Haydn Mozart, and Beethoven defines The Classical Period, music composed between 1750-1820. The Paramount Chamber Players along with guest pianist, Wayne Johnson of Kingsport, TN, presents a program illustrating the pure classicism of these great composers. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Monthly Meeting The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will hold theirmonthly meeting at 11 am on Thursday October 5, 2017 at the Empire Buffet,located at 2614 N. Roan St, Johnson City, Tn. The speaker will be Ed Graybeal, Washington County Sheriff. For additional information contact Wayne Robertson at 423-741-0612.
JC Community Drum Circle Cryptogram: It is very difficult to live among people you love and hold back from offering them adviceThe Johnson City Community DropQuote: "Unraveling proverbs is a suitable puzzle for an old man. I put pieces in order and build up a Drum Circle meets every Wedneskind of Utopian castle." day evening (April – October), 7pm - 8:30pm, inside the Farmers’ Market Pavilion next to Founders Park. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Come drum, hoop/holler, dance, or just relax and take in the scene, no experience or “talent” necessary. There are shared instruments and of course you can bring your own drums or percussion. It's all improvised, so there are no mistakes. We just smile and keep playing. Bring your own seating!
Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300, Kingsport, 2428 •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Knob Creek Road, Johnson City Thrill The World Practice and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about at Johnson City Public Library scheduling a blood drive at a lo- Thrill the World is an annual
Part One: The Horror Of Perfection
For the past twenty-eight Octobers, I have looked forward to being able to share with you some of my personal takes on how horror movies can do more than simply scare us out of our wits
G Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
ood horror movies--and some that are considered truly bad--give us permission to think more deeply about the function of art in our society and how horror can be a vehicle for contemplating and evaluating important cultural themes. This month we will explore two or three movies each week that focus on a particular theme. This week our theme will be our quest for perfection and some of the dark paths down which that quest can lead. Perhaps the best-known example of this quest is Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein,” which went through two versions by the author in the nineteenth century and has been reworked countless times in the movies. In fact, not long after movies were born in the late nineteenth century, Edison Studios released the first film version of this classic tale in 1910. Clocking in at only sixteen minutes, this film, starring Charles Ogle as the monster, provided the template for what was to follow. At the heart of most of these movies is a “mad scientist” who wants to create the perfect human being. Of course, these plans generally have disastrous and often heartbreaking consequences. One of my favorite recent incarnations of this theme is Lucky McKee’s very creepy movie, “May” (2002), starring Angela Bettis as a lonely girl who fabricates herself a new friend in a very grisly manner (no spoilers, but you can no doubt imagine where this is going). I am writing this while rewatching French Director Georges Franju’s frightening and unsettling 1960 movie, “Eyes Without A Face,” the story of a mad scientist/plastic surgeon who tries to relieve the overwhelming guilt he feels for causing the automobile accident that left his daughter with a terribly mangled face. Like Victor Frankenstein, he becomes totally obsessed with not only restoring his daughter’s disfigured face but with also producing something even better and more beautiful. To carry out his obsession, and aided by his obedient nurse, he kidnaps and kills a series of beautiful young women who provide new facial templates for his daughter--the process he employs involves a “heterograph,” a transfer of living body tissue from an unwilling victim to his daughter using a procedure he refers to as “exsanguination,” a draining of the victim’s blood (here we enter into Dracula territory). Franju’s imagery stays with you long after the film’s ninety-minutes of running time comes to an end. And Edith Scob’s emotional portrayal of Christiane, the disfigured daughter, is all the more powerful because she creates her magic while wearing
a very inflexible and expressionless white mask. And why do I think about Bryan Forbes’ “The Stepford Wives (1975) every time I see Franju’s movie? Perhaps only I would pair “Eyes Without A Face” with Nicholas Winding Peen’s mesmerizing 2016 movie, “The Neon Demon,” starring Elle Fanning as an aspiring young model whose quest for bodily perfection brings her to a very unsavory end. As a commentary on our culture’s obsessions with physical beauty and the veneration of models, Peen’s movie is a sharp satire, but at heart is a classic horror movie with a twist. Without spoiling the ending, I will only say that Jesse’s (Fanning’s) competitive companions become consumed in a very literal way with her flesh. Enough said, I suppose, but along the way we are treated to some of the most sumptuous and often surreal visual designs I have seen in some time. And the soundtrack occupies a prominent place in my Apple Music playlist. The critics haven’t been very kind to this film, however, and the somewhat questionable Amazon user views have been even less positive. As one viewer asks, “What better way to show how empty and perverse the model scene in Los Angeles is, than to make an empty and perverse movie about it?” You should of course reach your own conclusions, and I will continue to recommend this movie to horror fans. Another film that has received very mixed reviews is Gore Verbinski’s (“Pirates Of The Carribbean,” “The Ring”) “A Cure For Wellness” (2017), which is in so many ways, especially in its opening sequences, a remake of Tod Browning’s original 1930s “Dracula.” Here the quest for perfection takes place within the haunted walls of a very Gothic looking institute, once again presided over by a very mad scientist who supervises a real crazy house. Dr. Volmer’s “cure” for wellness involves slimy eels and mind control, all wrapped up in a not-so-tidy one hundred and forty six minutes. In many ways a satire of utopian societies and organizations devoted to holistic treatments of mind and body, “A Cure For Wellness,” is multi-layered entertainment with a thought-provoking script that makes you question the world around you--is is a sanctuary or a prison? And do so-called “miracle cures” and “mind and body” seminars free or enslave us? There are of course many movies that take the quest for perfection as their theme, and I will leave you to seek them out. In the meantime, stay tuned for Part Two, which will explore the horror of place.
theloaferonline.com | October 3, 2017
Halloween Horrors 2017
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theloaferonline.com | October 3, 2017
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